| Q: “My toddler is 15 months old and suddenly he doesn’t want to eat at mealtime. It doesn’t matter what I offer him; he throws the food on the floor and points to the cabinet for something else. I can’t seem to find what he’s looking for. He has always been a good eater and I’m worried this is serious.” A: Children in the second year of life begin to become more independent. Part of that often is choosing what they will and won’t eat and when they are done. It’s helpful if you can remain positive during mealtime. When food is thrown on the floor, it’s time to clean it up and say, “Oh, I see you’re not hungry now.” Although you might be tempted to try to “find” what your son wants in the cabinet, limit your child to one or two choices. He will eat when he’s hungry. If he’s been a good eater up until now and is in the normal weight range for his height, you probably don’t have to be worried. Most likely it’s just a phase that he’ll soon outgrow. If this pattern continues, and he’s not eating at all, discuss it with your child’s healthcare provider. | 
